Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Expands Work in Europe

In a move designed to expand its work in Europe, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has appointed Joe Cerrel as the lead of its new European office. At this point in time, Cerrell occupies the position of director of global health policy and advocacy at the foundation, and will continue with this role until the end of 2009. The Foundation revealed that Cerrell would take on his new responsibilities as the head of its new European office in London come January 1, 2010, overseeing the policy, advocacy, and communications activities for the European presence of the Gates Foundation.

"Expanding our work in Europe is an important priority for the foundation, and we're very pleased that Joe will be leading this effort," explained Bill Gates, co-chair of the Gates Foundation. "Joe has been a senior leader at the foundation for many years and has played a central role in its development and growth. He has also led highly successful global health advocacy activities, many of which were conducted with European partners."

In addition to his work with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Cerrell also occupies a seat on the board of directors for the ONE Campaign, UNITAID, as well as the Seattle Biomedical Research Institute, and the Music National Service Initiative. The Clinton Global Initiative enjoys Cerrell’s contribution as an advisory board member. Before joining the foundation sponsored by Microsoft’s co-founder in 2001, Cerrell was an assistant press secretary to former U.S. Vice President Al Gore.

In Europe Cerrell will work to kick up a notch partnerships with European non-governmental organizations, foundations, governments, multilateral organizations, and other groups. At the same time, he will be responsible for overseeing and managing the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s policy and advocacy grant portfolio.

"Our European partners are some of the most innovative and bold influencers working to alleviate extreme poverty and disease in the developing world," said Jeff Raikes, chief executive officer of the foundation. "Joe is an excellent choice to deepen our relationships with colleagues in Europe who are working alongside us."